On Monday, Mexico's top presidential contender, Claudia Sheinbaum, pledged continued support for state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) while advocating for renewable energy. In contrast to the perspective of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum is committed to strengthening Mexico's renewable energy capabilities. Additionally, she plans to maintain Pemex's daily crude production at approximately 1.8 million barrels, meeting additional demand for renewable energy. She confirms that Pemex and the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) will continue to operate as public entitie
On Tuesday, Hong Kong's legislature passed a new national security law, known as Article 23, unanimously within two weeks of its proposal. This legislation targets offences like treason, sabotage, and espionage, imposing sentences ranging from years to life imprisonment. The leader of Hong Kong has hailed the law as a historic moment, and it is soon to go into effect. Despite concerns about potential consequences, including sanctions and international criticism, lawmakers expressed their determination to prioritise national security. After a brief period of public consultation, the pro-Bei
On Sunday, India and the Maldives had the third edition of their Core Group meeting in Malé, focusing on Indian personnel deployment for aviation platforms in the island nation. As India had announced earlier, the meeting emphasised the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's deadline for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, set for March 10, propelled discussions. Both sides reviewed the delegation of Indian technical personnel enabling the operation of aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical services to Maldiv
The Ministers of Health representing the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) gathered in Astana recently to discuss the improvement of healthcare collaboration, particularly among countries such as India. There were crucial deals and reciprocal assistance developed during the gathering, which included distinguished delegation chiefs. Discussions with the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare centered on growing cooperation in a variety of fields, including the enhancement of medical education, technology exchange, and the production of medical devices. The p
The largest general election in history is expected to take place in India from April to June, with the announcement of the results on June 4. The election, which will determine the 18th Lok Sabha and have around one billion eligible voters, is a significant democratic endeavour. Almost a billion people will cast ballots in this six-week, seven-phase election extravaganza, which will see unprecedented participation. Concurrently, four state assemblies—Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim—will also conduct polls, with Odisha's elections spread over four phases. To fa
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to embark on a significant five-day diplomatic mission to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, commencing on March 23. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and address shared regional concerns. Jaishankar's itinerary begins in Singapore, where he will engage with counterparts and dignitaries. The visit, extended at the invitation of host countries, highlighted India's commitment to enhancing ties with key partners in Southeast Asia. According to S Jaishankar, the tour will prioritise strengthening
A government panel has recommended India adopt simultaneous elections for state assemblies and the national parliament, aiming to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and governance efficiency. Before the upcoming elections, the panel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration appointed submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. However, implementing the proposed "one nation, one election" policy would require parliamentary approval and state ratification, and it might encounter opposition from states run by PM Modi's rivals who raise federalism concerns. The panel, led by
Nepal's Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' secured a parliamentary vote of confidence amidst ongoing political instability driven by alliance shifts. Prachanda, a former guerilla leader from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), received 157 out of 268 votes, surpassing the 138-vote threshold required for confidence in his third tenure since December 2022. The vote followed Prachanda's recent alliance shift from the Nepali Congress to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by K P Sharma Oli. This action was taken in response to the Nepali Congress
Denmark is all set to increase its defence budget by $5.9 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the nation aims to rectify defence shortcomings and fulfil NATO targets amid global challenges to the established order. The move comes after Denmark reduced its military capabilities following the Cold War's end in the early 1990s. Frederiksen highlighted the initiative's defensive focus while carefully bringing up Russia's recent military actions, including army deployments close to Finland following its NATO admission. Under pressure from Washington
PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Rishi Sunak recently discussed the growing bilateral partnership and the ongoing negotiations for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement. Both leaders emphasised their commitment to strengthening this strategic partnership during a telephone conversation. They highlighted the significance of securing a comprehensive deal that would foster mutual benefits, with bilateral trade currently valued at around GBP 36 billion annually. Britain and India have engaged in on-and-off negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) over the past two years, amid anticipation of nationa